The way back for John Galliano is simple: button it

I met Galliano many times over the years - although less frequently of late, when he seemed to have retreated, like the Wizard of Oz, behind a miasma of weird delusions. But I always found him courteous and respectful. I can't pretend to have a profound insight into the inner workings of his soul, but vile as his outburst was, he's clearly not le Pen.

Related articles

What is perhaps even more distateful than the ramblings of a sick man are some of the responses to what he did. At Kate Moss's wedding in July the guests - including luminaries such as Meg Matthews and Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie, along with Anna Wintour, Mario Testino, Stella McCartney and Carine Roitfeld- apparently rose as one to applaud Galliano who had designed the bride's dress. Now that he has been sentenced in Paris (a 4,000 euro fine, suspended, plus 2,000 euros for a separate incident) will some of his supporters be high-fiving one another because their golden boy "got away with it"? God knows the fashion world can be moronic.

Two fashion consultants I spoke to yesterday suggested that Galliano's racist slur falls into the irredeemable category. I don't know if I agree. Notoriety can turn a quick buck in most industries these days, and expensive labels are no exception. Even so, evidence of humble pie will be required. So if his mates really want to rehabilitate him, here's an idiot-proof suggestion: try keeping schtum.